suspension

Suspension is defined as a time period during which something temporarily stops or is put on hold.

(noun)

When a student is told not to come to school for a week because of bad behavior, this is an example of a suspension.
When you put your disbelief on hold long enough to enjoy a movie about magic, this is an example of suspension of disbelief.

The definition of a suspension is a device or framework that supports weight.

(noun)

An example of a suspension is the springs and shocks in a car.

See suspension in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a suspending or being suspended; specif.,
1. a temporary barring from an office, school, etc.
2. a temporary stoppage of payment, service, etc.
3. a temporary canceling, as of rules
4. a deferring of action on a sentence
5. a holding back of a judgment, etc.
a supporting device or framework upon or from which something is suspended
the system of springs, shocks, etc. supporting a vehicle upon its undercarriage or axles
the act or means of suspending the balance or pendulum in a timepiece
Chem.
1. the condition of a substance whose particles are dispersed through a fluid but not dissolved in it, esp. the condition of one having relatively large particles that will separate out on standing
2. a substance in this condition
Music
1. the continuing of one or more tones of one chord into a following chord while the other tones are changed, so that a temporary dissonance is created
2. the tone or tones so continued

Origin: ML suspensio < LL, an arching < L suspensus: see suspense

See suspension in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

The act of suspending or the condition of being suspended, especially:
a. A temporary abrogation or cessation, as of a law or rule.
b. A temporary debarment, as from school or a privilege, especially as a punishment.
c. A postponement, as of a judgment, opinion, or decision. See Synonyms at pause.
Music
a. The prolongation of one or more tones of a chord into a following chord to create a temporary dissonance.
b. The tone so prolonged.
A device from which a mechanical part is suspended.
The system of springs and other devices that insulates the chassis of a vehicle from shocks transmitted through the wheels.
Chemistry A system in which microscopically visible particles are dispersed throughout a less dense liquid or gas from which they are easily filtered but not easily settled because of system viscocity or molecular interactions.